As the 2025 Hurricane Season approaches, the City of Cape Coral reminds homeowners to prepare their houses before inclement weather arrives.

Clean gutters- Blocked gutters can damage your home or business and cause flooding.

• Clear storm gutters and downspouts of debris.

• Secure loose gutters and downspouts.

• Check for existing rain gutter damage.

Trees/horticulture- One of the most important steps homeowners can take to minimize potential damage during a hurricane is to have their trees regularly inspected and maintained correctly.

Plan ahead:

• Check the condition of nearby trees. Consider removing trees with broken branches, dead limbs, root rot, and trunk decay, as well as those that grow close to power lines, windows, and structures.

• Consider hiring a licensed tree service company and/or a certified arborist to assist with removing damaged or potentially dangerous trees and properly pruning healthy trees to maintain their strength and form while allowing wind to pass through easily.

• When planting new trees, select native species when possible and consider the tree's mature size to avoid becoming a future hazard.

Check windows and doors, and have a protection plan:

• Make sure doors and windows properly seal, and repair/replace those that don’t.

• Verify that you have enough shutters and hardware to cover non-hurricane impact glass.

Inspect your roof:

• Check the roof for cracks and leaks.

• Inspect nails, caulk, and shingles and replace damaged or loose ones.

• Make sure braces are intact and replace missing ones.

• Consider installing truss tie-downs, also known as hurricane straps. They will fortify your roof even more and help it withstand gale-force winds.

• If your roof still needs repair or replacement following Hurricane Ian, ensure loose tiles are removed and any tarp or covering is securely attached.

Make a hurricane kit now—Don’t wait for a named storm to arrive. Be proactive and buy your supplies now.

Keep all these items in a plastic bin:

• Flashlight for each family member with extra batteries.

• Battery banks to charge devices.

• Three-day supply of water and non-perishable food. Each person should have three meals and one gallon of water per day.

• Three-day supply of clothing.

• First aid kit, eyeglasses, and medication.

• Pet food and supplies, including water.

• Hand-crank radio.

• Toilet paper and personal hygiene items.

• Trash bags and disinfectant wipes.

• Extra cash and essential documents in a waterproof bag.

• Games and books.

• If possible, purchase a generator and window AC unit now.

Check your insurance policy: Become familiar with your insurance policy and ensure you have the coverage you need. To avoid losses, study your insurance policy thoroughly and adjust it to cover all possible damage and losses a hurricane may cause. Most policies come into action several weeks after purchase, so complete your paperwork now and make additional adjustments in advance.

One of the best ways to prepare for hurricane season is by attending the City of Cape Coral's Annual Hurricane Preparedness Expo: